Ottoman Bed or Divan Bed? How to Choose the Best Storage Bed

Both Ottoman and Divan beds provide valuable storage, but they work in different ways. The right choice depends on your bedroom layout, how much storage you need, how often you access it and how the bed will fit into your daily routine.

An Ottoman bed lifts the mattress platform to reveal storage underneath, while a Divan bed usually uses built-in drawers or storage within the base.

Neither option is automatically better for every bedroom. The best storage bed depends on your available floor space, furniture arrangement, preferred style and how you plan to use the storage.

Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Quick Comparison

The right choice comes down to how you use your bedroom. A bed with more storage is not always the best option if accessing that storage becomes difficult within your room layout.

What Is an Ottoman Bed?

An Ottoman bed is a storage bed where the mattress platform lifts to reveal a storage compartment underneath.

Unlike traditional drawer storage, Ottoman beds use the space below the mattress area, making the full base available for storing larger belongings.

How Ottoman Storage Works

Most Ottoman beds use a lifting mechanism that helps raise the mattress platform safely. Many designs use a gas-assisted lifting system to make opening and closing easier.

When opened, the mattress platform lifts upwards, allowing access to the storage space below.

The exact opening method can vary depending on the bed design. Some models lift from the end of the bed, while others may have different opening configurations.

Always check the product details before purchasing to understand how the storage area works.

What Are Ottoman Beds Best Used For?

Ottoman beds are particularly useful for storing larger items that are not needed every day, such as:

• Spare bedding
• Seasonal clothing
• Suitcases
• Blankets
• Larger household items

Because the storage is hidden beneath the mattress platform, Ottoman beds can be a practical option for bedrooms where additional storage furniture would take up too much floor space.

Explore our range of ottoman beds for storage-focused bed designs.

What Is a Divan Bed?

A Divan bed is built around a supportive base that often includes integrated storage options.

Instead of lifting the mattress platform, Divan storage usually comes from drawers built into the base.

How Divan Storage Works

Divan beds typically provide storage through:

• Side drawers
• End drawers
• Base compartments

The storage is accessed by pulling out drawers rather than lifting the mattress.

This makes Divan beds useful for people who regularly need access to stored items.

What Are Divan Beds Best Used For?

Divan beds can work well for storing items that are accessed more frequently, including:

• Clothing
• Bedding
• Everyday bedroom items
• Smaller belongings

They are often suited to traditional bedroom layouts where there is enough space around the bed for drawers to open fully.

Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which Has More Storage?

There is no universal answer because storage capacity depends on the individual bed design.

The amount of usable storage can vary depending on:

• Bed size
• Internal construction
• Frame design
• Storage configuration
• Available storage area

A larger bed does not automatically mean more practical storage. A smaller bed with a well-designed storage area may work better in a compact bedroom than a larger frame that restricts movement.

For example, a King or Super King storage bed may provide more available space than a Double, but the final choice should consider the complete room layout.

If you are comparing bed sizes, our UK bed size guide explains standard mattress dimensions and helps you understand the difference between mattress size and complete bed-frame size.

Ottoman vs Divan Bed for Small Bedrooms

Small bedrooms require careful planning because storage furniture can quickly reduce usable floor space.

Why Ottoman Beds Can Work Well in Smaller Rooms

Ottoman beds can be useful when:

• You need hidden storage
• Side space is limited
• Bedside tables or wardrobes are close to the bed
• You want to avoid drawer clearance requirements

Because the storage lifts upwards, Ottoman beds do not require space beside the bed for drawers to open.

Divan Considerations in Smaller Rooms

Divan beds can still work well in smaller bedrooms, but you need to consider:

• Where the drawers open
• Nearby furniture placement
• Wardrobe doors
• Walking routes

A drawer that cannot fully open because of a bedside table or wall may reduce the practical benefit of the storage.

Before choosing a storage bed, measure your room carefully using our How to Measure Your Bedroom for a Bed guide.

Which Storage Bed Is Easier to Use Every Day?

Both options have advantages, but they suit different storage habits.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman storage is often better for:

• Larger items
• Occasional access
• Storing belongings that are not needed daily

For example, changing seasonal bedding or storing suitcases is usually easier when the entire storage area is accessible.

Divan Beds

Divan storage is often better for:

• Frequent access
• Smaller items
• Belongings you use regularly

Opening a drawer can be quicker when you only need one item rather than accessing the entire storage area.

The better choice depends on whether you value maximum hidden storage or easy everyday access.

Ottoman vs Divan Bed for Couples

Couples often need more than just sleeping space. Storage, furniture placement and room comfort also matter.

A larger bed size can provide more sleeping area, but it also requires more planning.

When choosing between storage options, consider:

• How much clothing and bedding you store
• Whether both people need regular access
• Available space around the bed
• Bedside table placement
• Wardrobe clearance

If you are considering a larger sleeping size, compare our king size beds and super king beds collections after checking your available bedroom space.

For couples deciding between sizes, our Double Bed vs King Size Bed guide can help compare sleeping space and room requirements.

Ottoman Beds, Divan Beds and Mattress Compatibility

Both Ottoman and Divan beds can work with different mattress types, but compatibility depends on the specific bed design.

Before purchasing, check:

• Recommended mattress specifications
• Weight requirements
• Product instructions
• Manufacturer guidance

Do not assume every mattress works with every storage bed.

The correct mattress and bed-frame combination helps ensure the bed performs as intended.

Which Storage Bed Looks Better in a Bedroom?

Style is a personal choice, but the two options often create different looks.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds are commonly available with:

• Upholstered frames
• Padded headboards
• Statement designs
• Fabric finishes

They can suit bedrooms where the bed is intended to be a main furniture feature.

Browse our range of upholstered beds for fabric-covered designs and different headboard styles.

Divan Beds

Divan beds often have:

• Simpler base designs
• Practical appearances
• A more traditional storage-bed style

The best choice depends on the look you want and how the bed fits with your existing bedroom furniture.

Delivery and Installation Considerations

Large storage beds need planning before delivery.

Before ordering, consider:

• Bedroom doorway width
• Hallway space
• Stairs
• Tight corners
• Landing areas
• Assembly requirements

A bed may fit comfortably inside the bedroom but still be difficult to move through the property.

Measure the full route from your entrance to the final bedroom position.

Deeplay also provides a 2-year warranty on eligible bed products, and selected purchases may include a 30-day trial period depending on the product terms. Always check the specific product details before ordering.

Which Storage Bed Should You Choose?

Choose an Ottoman Bed if:

• Storage is your main priority
• You need space for larger belongings
• You have limited room for drawers
• You prefer hidden storage underneath the bed
• You want an upholstered storage bed design

Choose a Divan Bed if:

• you need regular access to stored items
• your room has enough drawer clearance
• you prefer a traditional storage base
• you want quick access to smaller belongings

The best storage bed is the one that fits your room, storage habits and lifestyle.

FAQs

What is the difference between an Ottoman bed and a Divan bed?

An Ottoman bed lifts the mattress platform to reveal storage underneath, while a Divan bed usually uses built-in drawers or storage within the base.

Are Ottoman beds better than Divan beds?

Neither option is better for every bedroom. Ottoman beds may suit people who need hidden storage for larger items, while Divan beds may suit people who prefer quick access through drawers.

Which has more storage: Ottoman or Divan?

Storage depends on the bed size, construction and design. Ottoman beds often make use of the full area underneath the mattress, but the practical storage space varies by model.

Is an Ottoman bed suitable for a small bedroom?

Yes, an Ottoman bed can work well in smaller bedrooms because it does not need side clearance for drawers. However, you still need enough room to open the lifting mechanism comfortably.

Do Ottoman beds need more space to open?

Ottoman beds need enough space for the lifting action and safe access to the storage area. Check the opening style of the specific bed before purchasing.

Can any mattress go on an Ottoman bed?

Not always. Mattress requirements can vary by design, so check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific bed.

Are Divan beds easier to move?

Divan beds can be easier to move in some situations because many have separate base sections, but this depends on the individual design.

Which storage bed is best for couples?

The best choice depends on the couple's storage habits and bedroom layout. Couples who store larger items may prefer Ottoman storage, while those needing frequent access may prefer drawers.